12 Comments

By year’s end I think Alexei’s numbers will be there (2009 repeat worst case scenario) but I’m fine with you benching him for a few days and riding out Gonzalez’s hot streak. But let’s not make too much out of one week. If this were the middle of July, few would realize that Alexei’s been struggling! We should all keep this in mind.

Hi Guys,
I know this sounds kinda weird, but would you consider benching Teixeira until he starts to heat up? I have Carlos Pena and Derrek Lee at 1B and would like to use one of my Util spots (of 2) for a fourth OF instead of loading them up with my 1B’s. Considering Teixeira’s perennial slow starts, is this savvy or stupid?

I am in a 10-team mixed keeper. I have 2 quick questions. 1.David Ortiz was dropped, do you think he’s worth a waiver claim? 2. Is LaPorta and Reimold worth holding on to since it’s a keeper? I don’t has positional games started limits so I like to plug on as many free agents as possible on slow days. I am torn as to whether those two are worth not dropping for someone else on Monday/Thursday type days.

Would you take Jenks or Franklin for the year, and are either of them worth dropping for Romero? The rest of my staff is T. Hanson, J. Shields, J Johnson, T Hudson, Liriano, Bailey, Bell, and Frasor. It’s a 10 team H-to-H league.

I could never bring myself to bench my first round pick no matter how bad he’s doing. If you really feel hampered by owning four 1Bs, try working a trade but I don’t see a lot of downside in keeping all of them. Any particular reason why you want to fill that utility spot with an OF? When it comes to utility spots, I personally don’t care what position the guy plays as long as I can count on production. If it’s a category concern that’s one thing but starting someone just because he plays a certain position seems pointless.

Hey Zach,
I should have explained about starting an OF in my Util spot. I have 5 OF’s: Sizemore, Choo, Bay, Hawpe and Chris Young and I’m having a tough time trying to figure out how to manage all of the bats.
I also agree on the 1B benching thing. Teixeira could always get hot and never look back, and I’m basically going to bench Pena against most lefties. Also with Derrek Lee with this thumb problem the platoon situation might work itself out. Thanks for the really quick response to my question and the ongoing great advice. I wish the 411 podcast lasted longer and I also wish that we could somehow call in to the show like we used to. Thanks again.

Some of it depends on who you’re dropping but yes, Ortiz is waiver claim worthy, even in a 10 teamer. Still has the ability to hit for solid power and drive in a fair share of runs. He’s not done just yet. As for Reimold and LaPorta, most of my decision would be based on how many keepers you’re allowed. I like both but if this is a straight keeper where you keep just five or six guys, I’m not sold that either will reach that value level.
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Randi,

Don’t overreact over Romero’s great outing yesterday. He still has a lot to prove and no way do I drop a solid mid-tier closer to pick him up. You’ve got enough SP depth already. As for Jenks and Franklin, I’m not too high on either but I prefer Jenks. He’s got more job security than Franklin and has better stuff. Both are fine #2 closers though.

What are the 411 thoughts on Rodrigo Lopez? Does he have POD graduate potential, if he maintains or improves upon his spring and early performance? I know he’s no spring chicken, but the guy is showing good stuff, and looks to have that post-TJ magic fairy dust sprinkled on him. I took him as a late reserve-round pick in my NL-only draft, and curious if he would ever be worth activating.

I’m not at all a Lopez believer considering his long track record of mediocrity. A good spring and one nice start vs. the Pirates can’t overshadow the fact that his last productive season was 2004. I know injuries have hampered him but still, do you really want to put your trust in this guy right now?

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